Scientists have revived a worm that stayed frozen in Siberian permafrost for 46,000 years, marking a groundbreaking discovery in the field of cryobiology.

The Discovery: Scientists discovered a previously unknown nematode species that survived in a dormant state known as “cryptobiosis” for 46,000 years.
* The worm was found 130 feet deep within permafrost in a burrow once home to Arctic gophers.
* After being taken to the lab and thawed, the resurrected nematode crawled out and started reproducing.
* The previous longest-recorded cryptobiosis for a nematode was just over 25 years.

The Worm: The newly discovered nematode has been named Panagrolaimus kolymaensis and is a species that reproduces asexually.
* Its lifespan is typically one to two months, as long as it doesn’t get “frozen in time.”
* The worm’s revival included not just awakening, but active reproduction with a cycle of eight to 12 days.
* The original worm, found five years ago, has died. Scientists are using its descendants for ongoing research.

Research Implications: The discovery could have significant implications for understanding animal adaptation in extreme environments, specifically relevant to the impacts of climate change.
* The finding could help scientists understand how DNA sequences evolve and adapt to subzero environments or periods of dormancy.
* Nematodes are known to survive both subzero temperatures and parched climates, such as Chile’s Atacama Desert, making them objects of great interest for scientific research.
* This knowledge could potentially inform protective efforts for endangered species facing climate change impacts.

Quoted Statement: Philipp Schiffer, a group leader at the University of Cologne in Germany and one of the study’s authors, stated

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